Market Intelligence: South East Asia

Philippines-based Alpha Aviation Group Granted Renewal of ATO Certificate by Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

Clark, Philippines based aviation training group and full flight simulator training center Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) has been granted a renewal of the Approved Training Organization (ATO) Certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). This is in relation to the conducted on-site ATOC Renewal audit, dated 18-20 December 2023.

With this renewal, AAG is authorized by CAAV to operate as an Approved Training Organization, offering the following courses designed to meet the needs of aspiring pilots, including:

  • Private Pilot License
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot License
  • Multi Crew Cooperation
  • ATPL Theory
  • A320 Type Rating Course
  • A320 Upgrade Course / A320 CCQ Course

The certification attests to AAG’s regulatory compliance and underscores its capability to deliver quality training programs that are crucial in shaping the future generation of aviators.

“AAG expresses its gratitude to the CAAV for the renewed trust and vows to uphold the standards in aviation training,” said AAG. “As AAG looks ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing our students with top-of-class training to ensure they are well-prepared to navigate the dynamic and challenging aviation industry.”

Source: Alpha Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group

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Chinese Simulator Manufacturer’s Flight Training Device Successfully Obtained FNPT II Certification from Thailand Regulator

The Simulator Appraisal Team of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) conducted an appraisal of the Cessna C172 flight training device (FTD) delivered by U-Wing Simulation to Thai Aerospace Industry Company. After comprehensive testing and strict review, the FTD had successfully obtained the FNPT II certification from the the Civil Aviation Authority Of Thailand (equivalent to FAA FTD Level 5, EASA FNPT II and ICAO 9625 Type I & II).

“This FTD appraisal has shown us the remarkable achievements of U-Wing in the field of self-developed flight simulation.” The evaluation experts participating in this evaluation highly praised the device and manufacturers, “U-Wing’s FTD has reached industry-leading levels in various aspects such as independent development of flight simulation platforms, hardware process quality, and data packet acquisition, which has given us a new understanding and filled us with expectations for the new generation of FTD”.

About U-Wing Simulation

Founded in 2016, U-Wing Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. (U-Wing Simulation) supplies aviation simulation solutions to global customers, including R&D and manufacturing of Flight Training Devices (FTD), relocation and upgrade services for Full Flight Simulators (FFS), and second-hand simulator trading services, which has grown into a leading enterprise in the technology of FTD.

Headquartered in Zhuhai, U-Wing Simulation has set up Manufacture Center in Zhengzhou and global sales subsidiaries in Beijing , while overseas sales service centers have set up in Singapore, Paris, and Toronto, creating a worldwide sales and service network.

U-Wing Simulation has the capability to independently develop and produce all of general aviation aircrafts FTD, and the devices meet the requirements of CCAR-60 level 5 and the FAA FTD level 5 and EASA FNPT II identification standards at the same time, achieving the first-class level in the world. Recognized as the industry leader in the FTD based on the proprietary technology advantages and experience, U-Wing is an international supplier with a grand vision set to play a pivotal role in the era of the Global Aviation Training Revolution.

Source: U-Wing Simulation
Photo Credit: U-Wing Simulation

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Malaysia Aviation Group Is Set to Induct 12 New Aircraft in 2024, Will Recieve First A330neo in Q3 of This Year

As part of its ongoing fleet modernisation plan, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is set to induct 12 new aircraft in 2024, including its first Airbus 330-900 (A330neo) which is scheduled to arrive in Q3 2024. The Group is looking to receive four (4) of the new aircraft type this year, alongside eight (8) of the Boeing 737-8 aircraft to support its network growth requirements.

In August 2022, MAG signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon for the acquisition of 20 A330neo aircraft which are scheduled to be delivered through to 2028. 10 of the aircraft are directly purchased from Airbus with a back-to-back sale and leaseback arrangement with Avolon, while the remaining 10 are leased directly from Avolon. The acquisition underscores the Group’s steadfast commitment as it seeks to provide modernity and elevate the standards of its service offerings, while ensuring that it can support the post-pandemic growth of the aviation industry.

The A330neo is set to provide improved operational efficiency to the MAG fleet while also allowing it to address environmental targets by offering up to 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. With a 1-2-1 configuration, the newly designed Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats will be a first for the Group, featuring an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors which prioritises cabin comfort and practicality. The seat covers will feature the signature songket motif, a homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage seamlessly infused with a modern touch, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary style. With an all-aisle access layout, the seats ensure a comfortable and fully flat experience, incorporating luxury design influences and optimal styling flexibility.

With the introduction of these new seats, Malaysia Airlines is poised to become the flagship carrier in the world to feature the Elevation seats on the A330 airframe. The A330neo will comprise of 297 seats (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 seats come with extra legroom).

Additional features include wireless charging pods, ergonomic seat cushions, highly integrated in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions, including Kids mode, and ample space to work, relax, and dine in ultimate comfort. The aircraft will also be fitted with Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring that passengers can experience a practical cabin space onboard Malaysian Hospitality.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, said, “We are excited to induct the first of 20 Airbus A330neo’s in Q3 of this year, which will gradually replace our A330ceo fleet and operate to our network across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. This expansion is not just about increasing our inventory in numbers but also introducing the first-of-its-kind cabin class, new seats and experiences that prioritises customer safety, comfort and overall satisfaction. We will continue to channel our investments into endeavours that strategically align with the key pillars driving our customer value proposition, namely cabin comfort, in-flight dining, and service delivery of our esteemed cabin crew. We aspire to curate an overall passenger experience that not only meets premium standards but exceeds them, underpinned by our inimitable Malaysian Hospitality.”

To further strengthen its fleet modernisation programme, the Group will also be retrofitting six (6) of its A350-900s beginning 2026 to ensure consistent cabin standardisation and premium experiences for its guests in alignment with the new A330neo cabin. MAG currently owns a fleet size of 104 through its subsidiaries Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and MASkargo.

Source: Malaysia Airlines
Photo Credit: Malaysia Airlines

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Philippines-based Alpha Aviation Group Graduates 16 New First Officer-Qualified Pilots in January 2024

Clark, Philippines – Fifteen (15) cadet pilots representing various batches of Alpha Aviation Group’s (AAG’s) Airline Pilot Program (APP) and one (1) First Officer Transition (FOT) trainee were recognized at a joint graduation ceremony on 27 January 2024.

In his welcome remarks, Capt. Gaudencio Maniano (AAG International Center for Aviation Training [AICAT] Accountable Manager) congratulated the graduates for achieving this milestone. “As you embark on this new chapter, remember to keep aiming high, stay committed to your dreams, and never stop reaching for the sky,” Capt. Maniano shares.

“This isn’t the end of the journey; it’s just the beginning. New routes, new faces, new challenges await us. But with the foundation we’ve built here, the bonds we’ve forged, and the lessons we’ve learned, I’m confident that we are ready for whatever lies ahead,” shares First Officer Reinald Joseph G. Donado in his celebratory message as a graduate with distinction.

Capt. Emmanuel C. Generoso (Chief Operating Officer of Island Aviation, Inc. and Former A330 Chief Pilot of Philippine Airlines) graced the ceremony as the guest of honor and speaker, inspiring the graduates to embrace the future with loyalty, good character, integrity, and humility. “Understand that not every flight will be the same and the skies won’t always be clear, and that’s the beauty of this profession. Ultimately, you alone have the power to become the pilot you’ve always dreamed of being,” Capt. Generoso shares. He has had a distinguished 36-year career in aviation exemplifying the challenges and triumphs of the profession including successfully handling a hijacking of an Airbus A330 under his command carrying 278 passengers in the year 2000 to which he received a commendation from Former President Joseph Estrada.

In his closing remarks, Capt. Vicente Casibang II (AAGP Accountable Manager) thanked the families for their steadfast support and assured them of AAG’s ongoing commitment to the graduates’ aviation careers.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group

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IATA: Global Air Travel Demand Continued Its Bounce Back in 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-pandemic demand.

Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2023 total traffic rose 25.3% compared to December 2022 and reached 97.5% of the December 2019 level. Fourth quarter traffic was at 98.2% of 2019, reflecting the strong recovery towards the end of the year.

International traffic in 2023 climbed 41.6% versus 2022 and reached 88.6% of 2019 levels. December 2023 international traffic climbed 24.2% over December 2022, reaching 94.7% of the level in December 2019. Fourth quarter traffic was at 94.5% of 2019.

Domestic traffic for 2023 rose 30.4% compared to the prior year. 2023 domestic traffic was 3.9% above the full year 2019 level. December 2023 domestic traffic was up 27.0% over the year earlier period and was at 2.3% above December 2019 traffic. Fourth quarter traffic was 4.4% higher than the same quarter in 2019.

“The strong post-pandemic rebound continued in 2023. December traffic stood just 2.5% below 2019 levels, with a strong performance in quarter 4, teeing-up airlines for a return to normal growth patterns in 2024. The recovery in travel is good news. The restoration of connectivity is powering the global economy as people travel to do business, further their educations, take hard-earned vacations and much more. But to maximize the benefits of air travel in the post-pandemic world, governments need to take a strategic approach. That means providing cost-efficient infrastructure to meet demand, incentivizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to meet our net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, and adopting regulations that deliver a clear cost-benefit. Completing the recovery must not be an excuse for governments to forget the critical role of aviation to increasing the prosperity and well-being of people and businesses the world over,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 126.1% rise in full year international 2023 traffic compared to 2022, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 101.8% and the load factor climbed 9.0 percentage points to 83.1%. December 2023 traffic rose 56.9% compared to December 2022.

European carriers’ full year traffic climbed 22.0% versus 2022. Capacity increased 17.5%, and load factor rose 3.1 percentage points to 83.8%. For December, demand climbed 13.6% compared to the same month in 2022. December traffic was higher than the corresponding month in 2019 for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 33.3% traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 26.0% and load factor climbed 4.4 percentage points to 80.1%. December demand climbed 16.6% compared to the same month in 2022.

North American carriers reported a 28.3% annual traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 22.4%, and load factor climbed 3.9 percentage points to 84.6%. December 2023 traffic rose 13.5% compared to the year-ago period.

Latin American airlines posted a 28.6% traffic rise in 2023 over full year 2022. Annual capacity climbed 25.4% and load factor increased 2.1 percentage points to 84.7%, the highest among the regions. December demand climbed 26.5% compared to December 2022.

African airlines’ annual traffic rose 38.7% in 2023 versus the prior year. Full year 2023 capacity was up 38.3% and load factor climbed 0.2 percentage points to 71.9%, the lowest among regions. December 2023 traffic for African airlines rose 9.5% over December 2022.

China’s full year domestic traffic rose 138.8% versus 2022, and is now 7.1% above the 2019 level.

Australia (-4.2% compared to 2019) and Japan (-3.2% compared to 2019) are the only major domestic markets yet to recover pre-pandemic traffic demand.

Source: IATA
Photo Credit: IATA

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Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR Announces Latest Appointment for Head of Human Resources

ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft, announced the appointment of Maria Teresa Pedra Bruñó as its new Head of Human Resources, effective February 1, 2024. She succeeds Sadika Moussaoui, who takes on new responsibilities within the Airbus Commercial management team.

In this role, Maria Teresa oversees all human resources strategy and operations for ATR worldwide. She is based at the company’s global headquarters in Toulouse, France, and reports directly to the CEO.

Maria Teresa brings over 20 years of human resources experience to ATR, having held various HR roles of increasing responsibility within Airbus Commercial since 2003. Most recently, she served as Head of Talent and Executive Management, where she focused on promoting diversity, inclusion and leadership development.

“We are delighted to welcome Maria Teresa to our executive team,” said ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude. “Her deep HR expertise and international experience will be invaluable assets as we continue to strengthen our company culture and embrace all the opportunities of a constantly evolving environment. The way we manage our talents will be decisive in maintaining our leadership and relevance on the regional market. I also want to thank Sadika for her precious contribution over the years to develop our people, foster engagement, leadership, collaboration and inclusivity, and wish her the very best going forward.”

Previously, Maria Teresa served as HR Manager in Germany, supporting employees and activities related to the A400M final assembly line in Seville. In France since 2008, Maria Teresa was Head of Recruitment for Airbus in France, playing a key role in hiring for the A350 programme. She also served different businesses like Technology, Commercial and International as Senior HR Business Partner.

Source: ATR Aircraft
Photo Credit: ATR Aircraft

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